Jordan Montgomery temporarily saved the Yankees season last year, allowing just one run in four innings in an elimination Game 4 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Montgomery seems to have a spot in the starting rotation at this point, and Aaron Boone is a fan.

"I continue to be really excited about Monty," Boone said. "His year was a strong one last year. Better than the final numbers and ERA."

The lefty owned a 5.11 ERA last year, but did throw the most innings (44.0) since his rookie year in 2017, despite a 60-game season. Montgomery underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018, missing most of the 2018 and 2019 season.

He also was a bit unlucky in 2020, as he pitched to a 3.87 FIP and 1.30 WHIP.

"I think there were just a lot of really good things that he did last year. We saw the better fastball, the better play of the fastball, the tick-up of that, we saw two really good secondary pitches," Boone added. "So I think the biggest thing for Monty is continuing to really own his delivery, command his position, and just continue to make progress and steps of being able to command his pitches. Because when he’s in strike zone with his fastball, curveball, changeup, he’s tough to hit.”

Boone said Montgomery was "good" in his bullpen session on Monday, adding that his secondary pitches are in a "pretty good spot."

Montgomery also spoke to reporters for the first time this spring on Monday, and joked that he added Peloton to his workout regimen.

"Really love it.. ... Do some yoga in the mornings, or do a late-night ride," he said.

The 28-year-old also has, of course, spent some time in the Yankees' "gas station," which is the team's very technologically advanced pitching house.

"Definitely gets you amped up," Montgomery said. ". ... They're saying everything is doing what it's supposed to be doing, so that'd good news. ... It's definitely helpful. I'd rather have it than not."

Montgomery is the lone lefty in the rotation. But he said he'll "hold it down for the lefties."

In a rotation full with question marks, he doesn't have much of a choice. But if Montgomery can replicate his 2017 campaign -- where he finished in sixth place in AL Rookie of the Year voting, that's one question answered for the Yankees.

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